Colombia Beat DR Congo Thanks to Late Muñoz Goal – Group K at the 2026 World Cup Takes Shape

What Happened in the Colombia vs DR Congo 2026 World Cup Clash

Anyone searching for the Colombia vs DR Congo result will find a match that looks clearer on paper than it felt for much of its duration. Colombia took the initiative from the very start, kept the ball circulating, and pushed DR Congo deep into their own half. The Congolese side, led by captain Chancel Mbemba, defended compactly and looked to strike on the counter, but rarely managed to turn those moments into genuine goal threats.

It wasn't until Muñoz's goal shortly after the 75th minute that the deadlock was broken – a late but, given the flow of the match, logical reward for Colombian dominance.

Key Match Facts

- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group K
- Date: June 24, 2026
- Result: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo
- Venue: Estadio Akron
- Attendance: 45,358
- Goalscorer: Daniel Muñoz (76')

Match Flow: Colombian Superiority, Congolese Resilience

From the very first minute, the roles were clearly defined. Colombia controlled proceedings with 63.5 percent possession compared to 36.5 percent for DR Congo, and completed 541 passes – almost double their opponents' tally of 299. This technical superiority translated into a wealth of attempts on goal: 20 shots in total, nine of them on target.

DR Congo, by contrast, rarely threatened the Colombian goal. With just seven shots and only one on target, the attack led by Yoane Wissa, the tournament's top scorer on the Congolese side, was largely kept quiet. Instead, it was goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi who kept his side in the game with eight saves, preventing a heavier defeat.

The first half finished goalless, marked by Colombian possession football and disciplined Congolese defensive work. The pattern continued after the break: Colombia sought a way through via the flanks and quick combinations, while DR Congo defended with great effort – the 16 fouls committed by the Congolese, compared to twelve on the Colombian side, underline the defensive exertion.

The Decisive Moment: Muñoz Strikes in the 76th Minute

After nearly an hour of relentless Colombian pressure, the breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute. Daniel Muñoz, the right-back and one of the standout performers on the Colombian side, converted to make it 1-0, delivering a deserved lead. The goal was the logical outcome of a match in which Colombia had controlled play almost throughout, without previously finding the precision needed in the final third.

DR Congo tried to find a way back into the game in the closing stages but never got going. The corner count of 5-4 in Colombia's favor shows that even in the final minutes, the Congolese couldn't muster any noticeable pressure.

Statistical Overview

The numbers confirm the visual impression: Colombia were superior in almost every offensive category, while DR Congo stood firm defensively and had a reliable last line in goalkeeper Mpasi.

Lineups

Colombia: Camilo Vargas – Jhon Lucumí, Davinson Sánchez, Johan Mojica – Daniel Muñoz, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta – Luis Suárez, Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez

DR Congo: Lionel Mpasi – Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau – Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu

Context: What the Win Means for Group K

With this win, Colombia begin the 2026 World Cup group stage with three points and move, for now, to the top of Group K. James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz's side looked solid on the ball but initially struggled to convert their chances despite the numerous attempts – a factor that could well become relevant in the coming group-stage fixtures should opponents defend more compactly.

Following this defeat, DR Congo will need to pick up points in their remaining Group K matches to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Their disciplined defensive display and Lionel Mpasi's strong performance in goal are certainly foundations to build on – but going forward, they'll need more incisiveness, particularly through Yoane Wissa, to create genuine goal threats against technically strong opponents like Colombia in the future.

FAQ on the Colombia vs DR Congo Match

How did the Colombia vs DR Congo match end at the 2026 World Cup?
Colombia won the Group K encounter 1-0. The only goal came in the 76th minute through Daniel Muñoz.

Where was the match played?
The game was held at Estadio Akron in front of 45,358 spectators.

Who scored the decisive goal?
Daniel Muñoz put Colombia ahead in the 76th minute, settling the match.

How dominant was Colombia statistically?
Colombia recorded 63.5 percent possession, 20 shots, and 541 completed passes, making them clearly superior in almost every offensive metric.

How did DR Congo perform despite the defeat?
DR Congo defended with discipline, and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made eight saves to prevent a heavier defeat. Offensively, however, Yoane Wissa's side remained too toothless, managing just one shot on target.